Minnesota Timberwolves (9-8) at Indiana Pacers (10-6)
The Timberwolves are looking to extend their winning streak to 5 games when they head to Indiana on Thursday. They're coming off back-to-back close wins over the Heat by 4 at home and the 76ers in Philly by 3 pts. Karl Anthony Towns was the key in their latest win as he scored 25 pts against the Heat and Anthony Edwards finished with 22. They shouldn't hold any fears on the road as they've won 3 straight and should be confident despite a poor record at this venue. In team news, they'll likely go with the same starting 5 and Anderson/McLaughlin could make their returns from injury as they're questionable at the moment.
The Pacers are also on a winning streak, having won 5 on the trot. They thrashed the Magic by 21 pts in their latest win on Tuesday as Bennedict Mathurin (22 pts) and T.J. McConnell (19 pts) dominated for the Pacers. They've also won 3 straight on their home court and their defence has been impressive. In their last 5 games, they're allowing just 104 points and that will need to continue against the T-Wolves. Chris Duarte is still out with injury so Bathurin will continue to get the start.
The close head-to-head odds reflect what should be a tight affair between two similar teams and this could go either way. So we do like the chances of the Over instead. The Pacers are 18-7 against the Over at home and it's also 7-1 when they play the T-Wolves in Indiana. Minnesota are 4-2 against the Over in their last 6 and should give the Pacers defence a lot of headaches.
Stadium Record
Indiana are 6-1 in their last 7 at home. Minnesota has lost 18 of 25 in Indiana.
Head to Head Record
The T-Wolves won the last meeting 129-120 but the Pacers are 6-4 in the last 10.
Best Bet
Dallas Mavericks (9-7) at Boston Celtics (13-4)
The Mavs will be looking to bounce back after a 1 pt loss against the Nuggets on Monday. Their offence was kept fairly quiet as Doncic finished with just 22 pts. Winning on the road has also been an issue for Dallas this season as they're just 1-4 in their 5 road games. The trip to the TD Garden isn't an easy task so Dallas will need a huge game from Doncic. They may be without Spencer Dinwiddie after he injured his shoulder against Denver so that will be something to monitor before tip-off.
The Celtics had their winning streak snapped by the Bulls on Tuesday as they went down 121-107. However, they're 6-1 at home this season and have won 5 straight games at the TD Garden. This game will also start a 6 game home stand where the Celtics will look to extend their lead atop the East standings. Tatum is questionable for this matchup due to an ankle injury and that would be a big out if he can't suit up. If he doesn't play, Brogdon/White will get more minutes and Jaylen Brown will take over the shooting duties.
An injury concern for Tatum is something to watch out for as he could be a late out. So we do like the Mavs to cover as a road underdog. They have the wood over the Celtics with 4 straight wins and they should be fired up after losing to the Nuggets in their last game.
Stadium Record
Boston are 6-1 at home this season. Dallas has lost 4 of their last 6 in Boston.
Head to Head Record
The Mavs have won the last 4 meetings since 2021.
Best Bet
Los Angeles Clippers (11-7) at Golden State Warriors (8-10)
The Clippers are coming off an encouraging 7-point win over the Jazz at home and they're now won 3 on the trot. However, they will be missing the injured Paul George for this clash due to a hamstring issue. To make matters worse, Kawhi Leonard's injury issues continue to haunt the Clippers as he's been ruled out with an ankle injury. But this will open up opportunities for their bench rotation to get more minutes. John Wall is coming off 23 assists in his last 2 games and should be pushing the 30-minute mark with their 2 superstars out.
The Warriors rested most of their starters in Tuesday's 45-point loss so we can basically forget about that game. Curry, Wiggins, Thompson and Green are all back from a rest so Golden State will be heavy favourites against the injury-ravaged Clippers. With a 7-1 home record, the Warriors love playing at home and that shows in their road record at just 1-9 on the season. They face LA and the Jazz in their next 2 games so they'll be looking to get near .500 over that span.
While the Warriors should win this comfortably, the Under does look more favourable. The Warriors are 4-1 against the Under in their last 5 at home and shouldn't have any problems keeping the Clippers under-strength lineup under 100 pts. LA is also 7-2 against the Under on the road and 4-1 at this venue.
Stadium Record
Golden State are 7-1 at home this season. LA are just 7-18 in their last 25 road games against the Warriors.
Head to Head Record
The Warriors won the last meeting 112-97 but LA are 6-4 in the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
